Let us know whether the progeny of the Prophet and the...
Let us know whether the progeny of the Prophet and the Prophet’s family are the same or not.” Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, “They are the same.” Then the scholars claimed that the Prophet (S) is related to have said, “My nation is my family” and there is an authentic undeniable tradition according to which the Prophet’s companions agreed unanimously on the fact that Muhammad’s family is his nation.
Abul Hassan (a.s.) said, “Well, tell me whether it is lawful for Muhammad’s family to receive any alms-tax.” They answered, “No, it is unlawful.” Then the Imam (a.s.) asked, “Is it lawful for the nation to receive alms-tax?” They answered, “Yes, it is lawful for them.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “This is the difference between the family and the nation. Woe be to you! Where will they take you? Have you turned away from the Quran?
Don’t you know that the issues of Inheritance and Purification are for the Chosen Guided ones and not anyone else?” فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّهُ لَوْ أَرَادَ الأُمَّةَ لَكَانَتْ بِأَجْمَعِهَا فِي الْجَنَّةِ، لِقَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: (فَمِنْهُمْ ظالِمٌ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمِنْهُمْ مُقْتَصِدٌ وَمِنْهُمْ سابِقٌ بِالْخَيْراتِ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ذلِكَ هُوَالْفَضْلُ الْكَبِيرُ).